Measles vaccine provides the best protection for you and your family

Tue February 10, 2015

Several cases of measles have been confirmed in Illinois, and the number is likely to increase. Although there are no cases currently in DuPage County, the DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that the measles vaccine is safe and is the best protection against this disease.

The majority of cases have been reported in suburban Cook County, but it is likely those individuals visited locations throughout the northern Illinois region. Since infected people are contagious even before the rash develops, it is important to protect yourself and your family by making sure everyone is up-to-date on their immunizations.

Potential exposures in DuPage County may have occurred to:

· Patients and visitors at Advanced Pediatrics Neonatal Medicine (473 W. Army Trail Road, Suite 103, Bloomingdale) on January 26 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., January 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or January 31 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

· Customers and visitors at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa (792 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream) on February 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or February 7 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

· Customers at Jewel Osco (750 Army Trail Road, Carol Stream) on February 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All three locations are cooperating and working closely with the DuPage County Health Department to identify potential contacts and implement preventive measures. They are all maintaining a healthy environment without disruption in services.

A person who was potentially exposed and is experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes with or without rash, should call their healthcare provider. These individuals should notify their physician or emergency department before seeking care by calling ahead, so that staff are able to take appropriate precautions to prevent others from being infected.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The disease can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing or sneezing and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Infected people are contagious from four days before their rash starts through four days after the rash develops.

Residents should be aware of the symptoms of measles, which include:

· A fever that can get very high

· Cough, runny nose and red eyes

· Rash of tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread to the rest of the body

The Health Department is providing measles information to daycare facilities, schools, healthcare providers and the community. "Measles Information for Parents" and "Measles: Community Fact Sheet" are available in six languages at www.dupagehealth.org.

Doctors recommend that the best way to protect against measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). Vaccination is safe and highly effective at preventing measles infection, and is required for all Illinois school children.